Authorities investigate pit bull bite

A Cole County man was treated and released after being bit by a pit bull Monday morning.

According to the Cole County Sheriff’s Department, the dog bit the man’s forearm around 9:23 a.m. at 1001 Route T.

Sheriff Greg White said the man was protecting himself from the dog. He could not confirm reports the man had assaulted the dog’s owner, and the owner claimed the dog was defending her.

White did say this occurred in an unincorporated area where there is no leash law.

Since this was the first time this dog had been reported as biting someone and the dog has a rabies tag, the owner was given a warning to contain the animal. But if this occurs again and if a judge finds the dog to be vicious, the dog could be destroyed and the owner given a citation.

If the dog were allowed to stay alive, it would have to stay in kennel that meets standards set by the law.

White said the owner has several pit bulls, but this is the only one she has allowed to run loose.